Site Mobile Navigation

Subject to Further Review

The National Football League once again finds itself searching beyond the X’s and O’s of the playing field to protect the game’s image as a rough-and-tumble entertainment rooted in innocent sport. The league has opened an investigation into accusations of locker room hazing on the Miami Dolphins that reportedly descended to racist and homophobic slurs and macho threats against a player and his mother.

Richie Incognito, a rambunctious lineman with a reputation for playing dirty, has been suspended indefinitely by the Dolphins for allegedly abusing and even threatening Jonathan Martin, a teammate on the Dolphins’ offensive line. Mr. Martin walked off the team last week after months of reported harassment.

Refereeing locker room behavior can be no easy task in a gridiron culture that, among other things, has tolerated fraternity hazing of rookies in the name of building camaraderie. The hazing of Mr. Martin, now in his second year, may have gone further. News reports have surfaced of abusive rants received by Mr. Martin in taped messages. Other reports question whether team coaches might have encouraged harassment to “toughen” the 300-pound Mr. Martin, a charge they deny.

Though the inquiry is far from finished, the league has no choice but to be unflinching in its investigation. In the stands, the league has not hesitated to track and eject vulgar and intimidating fans. On the field, referees now penalize players for taunting. Bullying and abuse off the field must be brought under control as no less a threat to the game.